Sport
Erling Haaland transfer: Where could he go next?
With Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe emerging as the heirs to Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, they could be the two most in demand transfer targets in the world in the coming years.
Indeed, given Mbappe is currently in the clutches of the state-backed Paris Saint-Germain, only a select few moves look like realistic possibilities for the 2018 World Cup winner, so it is Haaland who features within gossip columns and the like on a more regular basis.
Given the very real possibility Borussia Dortmund miss out on Champions League football next season, the prolific Norwegian striker will surely be the most in-demand footballer on the market this summer.
When Lionel Messi is also available, that is quite the thing to say. However, with Haaland being 13 years younger than the great Argentine maestro, he is surely a wiser investment. Already one of the elite finishers in Europe, a transfer tussle of epic proportions could soon be on our hands. But who needs him the most? Where would he fit in best?
The dire financial situations of Real Madrid and Barcelona, the obvious destinations otherwise, potentially rules them out. Juventus, meanwhile, have the financial albatross that is Ronaldo’s contract while Bayern Munich have never traditionally spent as much as their rivals at the top of the game. As such it seems that English clubs could be the only ones wealthy enough to fund a transfer for Erling Haaland this summer. So, where could he end up?
Who could seal a transfer for Erling Haaland this summer?
Chelsea
Even as the COVID-19 pandemic ripped through footballing finances, Chelsea’s spending showed no signs of slowing down, so it seems safe to assume they’ll be ready to pounce should Haaland become available for a transfer.
Despite their flurry of attacking signings made over the course of last summer, Thomas Tuchel’s side are lacking a striker. Timo Werner, for all his positives, hasn’t looked convincing in front of goal and Olivier Giroud is still caught in the strange state of limbo where he’s both vitally important and somewhat disposable in equal measure.
Still, Haaland is reported to have said Chelsea aren’t an elite club and that he doesn’t see himself there, so perhaps this is a target that evades Roman Abramovich. Do they need him? Yes. Will they get him? Doubtful at this stage.
Chances: 4/10
Manchester United
With compatriot Ole Gunnar Solsjaer in charge at Old Trafford and United potentially losing Edinson Cavani this summer, links between the two only seem natural.
However, it’s hard to see what United can offer a developing star other huge clubs can’t. To put things into perspective, Haaland was only thirteen the last time they won the Premier League and they have spent most of his professional career playing outside of the Champions League.
Having messed up a potential deal for him before by reportedly being late to a transfer meeting and also being the club whose captain ended his father’s career prematurely, United may not be the most attractive option right now.
They need him more than he needs them.
Chances: 5/10
Manchester City
On paper, Manchester City look like the ideal option for Haaland.
A team he grew up supporting while this father played for the club (albeit in its previous incarnation) who have the resources to challenge for titles for years to come, the fact that Pep Guardiola’s side need to replace the legendary Sergio Aguero only makes a deal seem more perfect.
It is worth noting, however, that City do tend to struggle when it comes to winning transfer auctions. The likes of Frenkie De Jong, Alexis Sanchez, Jorginho and Harry Maguire have all gone elsewhere, so it’ll be interesting to see if they can finally land an in-demand target.
If they can, the rest of Europe should be fearful.
Chances: 7/10
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